He says he made a big contribution as a station pilot and later in his life as the caretaker of the Burke and Wills 'Dig Tree' on Nappa Merrie Station.

"Bomber was really a legend out here," he said.

"From my youngest memories he was always known as Bomber Johnson, mainly for his flying skills.

"He was probably one of the real pioneer pilots.

"I think his award for the MBE was for a lot of community service that he did through his flying.

"If ever there was anyone lost or anyone needed someone in the air, Bomber was the man."

Meanwhile, a memorial service will also be held this afternoon at Mount Margaret Station near Eromanga to celebrate the life of Peter Whiteman, who died in a plane crash on Kihee Station in the south-west earlier this month.